Abstract
The pediatric eye examination can be challenging but may provide important diagnostic
information to the pediatric neurologist. Most of the examination can be accomplished
with toys (visual fixation targets), a penlight, and a direct ophthalmoscope. The
most important aspect of assessing the afferent system is visual acuity testing. Based
on the patient's age, this may be accomplished by testing the child's response to
light, a moving visual target, or a formal visual acuity chart. Evaluation of pupillary
size and response to light is critical to assessing both the afferent and efferent
visual systems. Other components of efferent testing include evaluation of extraocular
motility and ocular alignment. General ophthalmologic examination is important to
assess for ocular pathology that may accompany neurologic disorders in children. Referral
to ophthalmology for further testing should be considered in any child with an abnormality
on the pediatric eye examination.
Keywords
pediatric - ophthalmology - strabismus - optic nerve
